Kendrick finds home with Animals

Philadelphia may have unearthed a hidden gem in acquiring Kyle Kendrick from Vancouver a few weeks ago. Kendrick, starting his second game for the Animals, pitched 7.1 solid innings in a 7-3 victory against the Straphangers to improve to 2-0 in two starts for the Animals. Kendrick had spent all season on the Iron Fist's farm team in Tacoma. With Rich Hill also on the farm team, Vancouver sought to trade one of the two and Philadelphia inquired about Kendrick. Kendrick was later dealt for former Vancouver lefthander Scott Olsen. Philadelphia was hesitant to start Kendrick, initially letting the 23-year old get familiar with the club's philosophy down in AAA Trenton. Kendrick started his first game a week later against Hillsborough and held the Hitmen to 2 runs over 8 innings. Philadelphia opted to skip his next start against the Sugar Bears, hoping to preserve his confidence, and signed lefthander Kason Gabbard to take his spot. But Kendrick was back yesterday, and once again pitched well (7.1 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, BB, 2 K). Kendrick's next scheduled start is Tuesday, once again against the Straphangers.

Poor Scott Kazmir can't catch a break. The lefthander entered yesterday's game with a 4-14 record and 6.91 ERA. It's been a very disappointing year for the highly-touted Kazmir, but things may be looking up. In his last start against Arkansas, Kazmir pitched 6.2 innings of 4-hit ball, surrendering only one run. Yesterday, Kazmir pitched a brilliant game against Hillsborough - 7 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 11 K, but the Cutters offense could not score a single run for him. It wasn't until the bottom of the 8th inning until the Cutters scored 3 runs and won the game, but Kazmir had already been pulled in favor of reliever Casey Janssen.

Roger Clemens has undergone quite a revival since returning home to the Falcons. Less than a week after being jettisoned by Newark June 12th after posting a horrific 10.13 ERA in 3 appearances, the Falcons re-signed their favorite son. Since then Clemens has responded with a 3-2 record and 3.09 ERA in 7 appearances, including 35 K in 35 innings. With Clemens and Schilling in the rotation can Pedro be far behind? Although his rehab has had ups and downs, it looks like Pedro won't rejoin the rotation until next season. Clemens has told the press that he may retire after the season and does not intend for "that slacker" to finish his comeback.